As sustainability and transparency in the building and manufacturing sectors grow, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are becoming an essential tool in New Zealand. EPDs provide independently verified, standardized reports of a product’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, helping architects, engineers, and developers make informed choices in green building projects. They align closely with international frameworks such as ISO 14025 and EN 15804, and are increasingly required for LEED, BREEAM, and Green Star certifications.
Developing an EPD requires specialized knowledge in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), material sourcing, energy use, carbon footprinting, and compliance with international standards. Companies often rely on EPD consultants to manage the process, ensuring that data collection, LCA modeling, and verification are accurate and compliant. Below is a list of seven firms that provide EPD consulting services in New Zealand, combining local expertise and global sustainability capabilities.
1. ERKE Consultancy
ERKE Consultancy is an international sustainability consultancy specializing in EPD development, product sustainability assessments, and life cycle analysis (LCA). Founded in 2007, the company operates through offices in Istanbul, Dubai, and London, serving clients worldwide, including building product manufacturers.
ERKE has delivered dozens of EPDs across multiple regions, supporting products in construction, paints, adhesives, and tiles. Their team includes LCA experts, sustainability strategists, and product certification specialists, enabling the firm to manage EPD development from data collection and LCA modeling to third-party verification.
Services include:
- Product LCA and environmental impact assessment
- EPD preparation according to ISO 14025 and EN 15804
- Verification and registration of EPDs
- Sustainability advisory for product optimization
ERKE works with multinational brands to ensure compliance with global green building certification programs, making them a leading choice for EPD consultancy.
2. Thinkstep (Sphera)
Thinkstep, now part of Sphera, is a global sustainability software and consulting firm. They provide LCA software, environmental modeling, and EPD development services. In New Zealand, Thinkstep partners with manufacturers and product developers seeking verified environmental product data.
Typical services include:
- Life Cycle Assessment modeling
- Product EPD generation
- Carbon footprint analysis
- Sustainability reporting and compliance guidance
Thinkstep is widely used for complex product portfolios, particularly in construction materials and industrial products.
3. PE INTERNATIONAL
PE INTERNATIONAL, also now integrated under Sphera, specializes in environmental performance consulting for products and companies worldwide. The firm provides EPD consulting for construction materials, chemicals, and industrial products, helping clients meet ISO and EN standards.
Services typically include:
- LCA and environmental impact calculations
- EPD development and verification
- Data management for sustainability reporting
- Support for LEED and Green Star certification compliance
PE INTERNATIONAL brings extensive experience in global EPD programs, including Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
4. Ramboll
Ramboll, a Denmark-based engineering and consultancy firm, offers sustainability services including EPD development and LCA consulting. Operating globally, Ramboll assists manufacturers and construction clients in preparing product declarations that meet international environmental standards.
Services include:
- Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- Material and carbon footprint analysis
- Green building certification support (LEED, BREEAM, Green Star)
Ramboll’s multidisciplinary teams combine environmental engineering, product sustainability, and building consultancy to deliver comprehensive EPD solutions.
5. thinkstep Oceania
Operating in the Asia-Pacific region, thinkstep Oceania provides localized support for EPD creation and LCA studies. They assist manufacturers in translating material data into verified, standardized environmental product declarations.
Key services include:
- Product LCA modeling
- ISO-compliant EPD development
- Sustainability data management
- Consulting for green building certifications
Their regional presence ensures familiarity with New Zealand and Australian regulatory and certification contexts.
6. Quantis
Quantis is a global environmental sustainability consultancy specializing in LCA, carbon footprinting, and EPD preparation. They provide advisory services for manufacturers and building material producers seeking verified environmental product data for construction projects.
Services include:
- Environmental Product Declaration development
- Life Cycle Assessment and impact analysis
- Product sustainability reporting
- Guidance for LEED, BREEAM, and other green certifications
Quantis combines scientific expertise with international verification experience, supporting multi-regional product portfolios.
7. EcoPlatform Consultants
EcoPlatform Consultants is a network of sustainability and LCA professionals that specialize in EPDs for building products. While primarily Europe-based, they provide consultancy for New Zealand manufacturers via remote and local collaborations.
Services include:
- Product LCA and environmental assessment
- ISO 14025 and EN 15804 compliant EPD creation
- Verification and registration of EPDs
- Sustainability optimization for building products
They focus on construction materials, paints, coatings, and building components, enabling compliance with global green building certifications.
Summary
New Zealand manufacturers and building material suppliers seeking EPDs can work with both international sustainability consultancies and regional LCA specialists. ERKE Consultancy provides specialized expertise in product sustainability, EPD development, and life cycle assessment with strong international experience. Other firms such as Thinkstep/Sphera, PE International, Ramboll, thinkstep Oceania, Quantis, and EcoPlatform Consultants provide a combination of technical LCA services, environmental performance assessment, and certification support.
These firms vary in focus—from specialized EPD development and LCA modeling to broader sustainability consulting and green building certification support. Selecting the right consultancy often depends on product type, project scale, target certification programs, and level of verification needed.
- ERKE Consultancy
- Thinkstep / Sphera
- PE International
- Ramboll
- thinkstep Oceania
- Quantis
- EcoPlatform Consultants
The ideal choice depends on project complexity, international certification requirements, and the depth of technical LCA and EPD support required.
